Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project

The Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project (NGWSP) is a Federal project operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Concepts for the project began back in the 1960’s and finally came to fruition in 2009 with the enactment of Public Law 111-11. The $1 billion project will divert over 37,000 acre-feet of water annually from the San Juan River and Cutter Reservoir, treat it to meet drinking water quality standards, and deliver it to Gallup and surrounding communities through 260 miles of pipelines and 24 pumping stations.

Gallup and Navajo Nation communities draw their water from aquifers that are being rapidly depleted. Water levels in the aquifers have dropped as much as 200 feet within the last ten years. Development of the water diversion, treatment and distribution system will ensure a reliable supply of water for municipal, industrial and domestic needs of approximately one quarter million residents.